Director's Cut eases some of that, but it's definitely a game that could use better guidance. The first map is a slog, but if you charge through it (past the point where you take a barge to a new map) things open up pretty quickly with vehicles, new obstacles, and other tools to keep things more interesting.
The worst part is that the game doesn't really direct you towards unlocking the tools and upgrades that make things better. A lot is unlocked through the main plot path, but there's more that's just not signposted at all. Is grinding out the full 5 star approval of this guy going to unlock a level 3 exoskeleton, or is it just unlocking a new decorative patch for my backpack? How am I supposed to naturally find out what places give you the best boots in the game as delivery rewards?
It's a game where you just kind of have to accept the slog as part of the narrative. You're one singular delivery man tasked with reconnecting the remaining people and settlements in a ruined america. It's going to be tough. Moments of power fantasy will be few and far between. As you reconnect more, you gain the ability to build infrastructure (and use infrastructure built by others through the network you're making) to make things easier.
Like, if you can find enjoyment in the slow moments, then you earn the more enjoyable stuff over time. Definitely not for everyone. I like it, but I play on and off in bursts. Think I have like 100 hours over four years. Biggest advice is to speed through the first map, just do the main quests. On the second map you can start taking your time if you want to.
Sounds like a wonderful opportunity to use this douchebag's creds to rack up ridiculous charges on his OpenAI account then ghost him.